Work Is Easy With A Sketch

When you have a great sketch at hand, the design of a layout is pretty easy.  This is exactly the case with the new sketch challenge at Sketch N Scrap.

Here is the sketch and my work:

I added an extra photo but for the most part followed the sketch.  This layout came together so quickly!  I hope you give it a shot - it is definitely a challenge worth checking out!

Links are due December 31st.

Materials Used:  Me & My Big Ideas Hello Beautiful papers, cardstock, Recollections flowers, Basic Grey Candy Buttons, Queen & Co. Pearls, Recollections wood veneer (arrow), and Imaginarium Chipboard Phrases.

New Card Challenge at Sketch N Scrap

I am helping reveal the new card sketch challenge at Sketch N Scrap.  Here is the sketch and my card:

Card link-ups are due November 30th.

Materials Used:  cardstock and Me & My Big Ideas - Hello Beautiful papers.

Another Great Recipe Challenge!

Lasting Memories has just released a true challenge this week.  The challenge is to follow this recipe:

November 19th - 2 photos, 2 different fonts for title, 4 patterned papers, 5 buttons, 1 ribbon/trim/twine, 4 die cuts and sprinkle with mist.

Wowza.  That is a lot of ingredients!  This is what I came up with:

I hope that you are able to join us in this challenge!  Links are due 11/25.

Materials Used:  Smooch Spritz - black, cardstock, scrap paper, My Mind's Eye - Sunshine die cuts, Echo Park - Paradise Beach alphabet (lighter blue), Echo Park - A Boy's Life alphabet (navy), brads, buttons, and twine.

Flip A Sketch!

I am happy to help with the reveal of the new challenge at Sketch N Scrap.  Please do yourself a favor and check out what the other DT members did with this challenge - simply beautiful work.

Here is the sketch and my layout:

I flipped the sketch so that the prettier backside of my paper was showing.  (This sketch is easy to do with a two-sided piece of paper.)  I also changed the staples to eyelets and twine.  Finally,  I added a rub-on and some enamel dots.

I can't wait to see your masterpieces on the blog!  Be sure to link up by November 30th.

Materials Used:  Pink Paislee - Cottage Farms papers, rub ons, and journaling cards; Basic Grey - Basics enamel dots, eyelets, twine, and Paper Trunk Benny alphabet.

November Bountiful Blessings Crop

Sketch N Scrap is hosting a Facebook crop from November 11- 25, 2017.  I am honored to help reveal the sketch third challenge for the crop.  Here is the sketch and my work:

The beauty of a great sketch is that you can adapt the "plan" to accommodate your photos and still get a fantastic layout!  As you can see, I had bigger pictures that the sketch called for.  I could not crop the photos anymore without losing the intended image.  SOOOOO - I moved the title to the side and changed the embellishments.  I also added little details like misting the page, distressing the edges of the secondary paper, and added some doodling.

You may also noticed that I continue to work on my endless supply of alphas.  Here I used two different fonts but in the same color for an eclectic look.

I hope you can join us - I would love to see your work!  

Materials Used: cardstock, scrap paper, Doodlebug Design - Hopscotch alphabet, unknown manufacturer of second alphabet, Tattered Angles - Glimmer Mist/Dazzling Diamonds, and Karen Foster Design swirl burst brads/fruit punch.

Simply Together

I am happy to reveal the new challenge at Lasting Memories.  The theme for the month is "Having Fun With Scrapbook Recipes."  Basically, you receive a list of ingredients (items) to include on your layout.  Here is this week's recipe:

November 12th - 1 large photo, 3 patterned paper, a pinch of wood veneer, a dash of Chipboard pieces and sprinkle with enamel dots

This is what I created:

I hope you can join us - just be sure to link up by November 25th.

Materials used:  Me & My Big Ideas - Hello Beautiful papers, Basic Grey Basic Enamel Dots, Heidi Swapp wood veneer ("Simply"), Prima Lace Stickers ("Together"), Prima Flowers - Innocence Collection, and Imaginarium Designs - Flourish small chipboard.

Go With The Flow

I am happy to help reveal the new challenge at Lasting Memories.  The challenge this week is to use either a page from a book or sheet music.

My original plan was to use a dictionary page on a military page that I was working on.  It was perfect - the page had army, armory, etc.  However, as the page was coming together - I did not have room on the layout for the dictionary page without cluttering the page.   I decided to finish the page and start a second page for the Lasting Memories challenge.   I am not too upset - I finished an extra page!

First is the layout for the challenge:

I used the dictionary page in my punch flowers, an element strip, and the date.  I can't wait to see the  creative ways your find to use old books in your layouts.  Be sure to link up your work by October 28th.

Here is the other page I mentioned:

I ended up having more journaling than I thought - hence the need to move on from my original plan. Though, I would like to add that my son only provided minimal detail about his week at the National Boy Scout Jamboree.   After going online, I found all kinds of information about the week.  My son enjoys remembering the details I have provided and smiles at me as if "how did you know."  Magic my son - magic.  LOL!

Oh one more thing about this military layout... I have this huge stash of alphabets and I always struggle to have the right letters.  I get creative.  In military, I needed an "L," "I," and an "a."  The I's were easy ... just trimmed the letter "k" to a straight line.  The L was a "t" that had a little trim as well and positioned upside down.  I always struggle with "A's," here I used an inverted "V" and placed a dot/period in the middle.  It isn't perfect but I think it works.

Materials Used for the "Fun!" layout:  Scenic Route - Parker alphabet, Me & My Big Ideas - Christmas Cheer papers, dictionary paper, brads, flower punches, Sizzix - Original Die - Fun Serif alphabet.

Materials Used for the " Military..." layout:  Authentique  Accomplished paper, cardstock, Thickers - Elf alphabet, Darice - Memoir alphabet.

Cork Paper....

I am happy to help reveal another challenge at Sketch N Scrap.  The sketch was easy to follow and easy to adjust to fit my bigger pictures.  Here is the sketch and my work:

So the cork paper....  It was the first time I used it and I have to admit the self adhesive was pretty nifty.  However, trying to punch circles with the paper was a lot of trouble.  The thick paper kept getting stuck in the punch and I had to spend a ton of time getting the paper unstuck!  I will use the cork again - probably because I have a stash of it!  LOL.  In all honesty though - I do like the look.

I hope you can link up your work.  Remember links are due October 31st.

Materials Used:  cardstock, unknown manufacturer of cork paper, Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate paper, Thickers - Amy Tangerine/Mediterranean alphabet, and Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink - ginger.

Scraproom Challenge

I joined in the current challenge at Scrapbook Room.  The challenge is to follow a sketch provided by the talented Lisa Hidy.  Here is the sketch and my work:

I had fun working this layout and trying to figure out the cluster in the upper right hand side of the page.  I found all kinds of good stuff digging through the stash.  It was like Christmas morning - including all the stuff all over the floor!

In any case, the links for this challenge close on October 31st.

Materials Used:  DCWV My Sunshine papers, cardstock, Stampin UP metal frame, brads, Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet, Basic Grey - Hipster wood die cuts, fun wire, and Basic Grey - Small Details/Wander.

Scrap Something Other Than Photos

I truly love including my children's work in my scrapbooks.  I think it gives the album a great dimension and adds a little insight to a child's mind!  With that said, I am happy to help introduce the new challenge at Lasting Memories.  The challenge is to use your children's work or be inspired by a children's book.

This is what I created:

My son is always thinking and putting his inventions on paper.  In this case, he drew a diagram of his "wedeater bike."  I just love everything about this including the grammar!

I hope you can join us on this very fun challenge.  Links are due October 28th.

Materials Used:  old patterned paper/unknown manufacturer, brads, cardstock, Cricut "love" image, and Cricut - Cricut Sans font.

Sketches In Thyme, #295

Did you know that you can cut wood veneer?  I didn't realize how easy it was until I needed to alter a letter.  Hmm.

In any case, I completed a sketch challenge over at Sketches In Thyme.  I added more pictures and distressed the sunburst paper edges but otherwise - stayed true to the sketch.  Check it out:

OOO - the letter I altered is the "U".... it was a "Q."  Not perfect but it works!  I hope you can join me in this challenge - you have time - links are due on October 31st.

Materials Used: cardstock, scrap paper, Recollections wood veneer alphabet and embellishments, brads, Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Ginger, and Smooch Spritz - Gold Glow.

Sketches In Thyme, Project Life Style

I have learned to truly appreciate Project Life Style of scrapbooking.  I intermingle my traditional scrapbooking pages with this pocket style throughout my album.  Not only does this help me put together a page quickly as I "try" to catch up on my photos (does one ever get truly caught up?), but it also makes the albums multi-dimensional.  If you haven't given the pocket style pages a try - do yourself a favor and check it out.

To help make personalized pocket cards, I refer to the sketches at Sketches In Thyme, Project Life Style blog.  They offer a few challenges each month - here is the current challenge and my card.

Here is the page in its entirety and the accompanying second page.

I hope you can join me on this challenge, links are due October 31st.

Materials Used: Becky Higgins Project Life pocket page, cardstock, scrap paper, Paper Trunk Benny Alphabet, brads, Recollections - wood arrow, Creative Memories tag & circle punch, Sizzix Original Die - Stars, and Misc. Me! - Journal Box Set cards

Have Scrap Fabric Laying Around?

If you have some scrap fabric laying around - I have found the perfect use for it!  Why not use that fabric as an accent piece on your layout?  The current challenge at Lasting Memories is to use fabric on your layout.

I had a pair of plaid shorts that I was about to toss out when I realized that the fabric would make a great accent to my son's Boy Scout pages.  Check it out!

I started with using my old Sizzix machine and die cutting the title.  Then I added strips of the fabric to repeat the accent.  However, I decided to make it a bit more interesting and frayed one edge.

I hope to see your work posted at the challenge!  The links are due October 28th.

Materials Used: Authentique - Accomplished Collection, cardstock, scrap fabric, Sizzix Die Cut Machine - Shadow Alphabet/Original Dies, brads, K & Company Boy Scouts of America Embellishment Flip Pack, and Favorite Findings button.

Remembering The Scene...

I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to the mountains to ride a horse this past winter and spring.  The scenery was breathtaking and I often found myself commenting... "so pretty!"  So much so that it became a little inside joke between my daughter and I.  I am so happy that we grabbed a few photos one day!

I completed this layout using the current challenge at Sketch N Scrap!  Here is the sketch I followed:

I hope that you can share your work with us!  Be sure to link up by October 31st.

Materials Used: cardstock; Authentique Peaceful papers, alphabet, and embellishments; buttons; doilies; and yarn/ribbon.

Summer is Hard...

I mean, I find it difficult to crop during the summer.  My children have me on my toes!  In any case, I miss my hobby (aka therapy) and I am trying to get back in the groove.

To help, I like using challenges to get my mojo going.  The layout below is for the current challenge at Lasting Memories.  The challenge is to use chevrons!

As you can see, I used the chevron pattern on my accent papers.  I hope you can join us in this challenge!  I can't wait to see what you create!  Hurry - links are due September 30th!

Materials Used: cardstock, Echo Park - Capture Life collection (papers, embellishment, and alphabet), Recollection wood veneer accents.

Back To School Crop @ Sketch N Scrap!

Hello Friends!

I am honored to help introduce the next challenge at Sketch N Scrap's back To School Crop on Facebook!  The sketch is an easy one to follow!  Check it out:

I rotated the sketch and kinda changed some of the embellishments to adapt to my photos! 

Forgive the wonky angle of the photo!

I hope you can join us in this challenge!  Links are due October 2nd!  I can't wait to see what you create!

Ribbons, Ribbons, Ribbons...

I love ribbons.  I have a great stash of them.  With that said, I am always looking for new ways to use ribbons.  I found a fantastic tutorial on "woven flowers."  I implemented this technique on my layout below:

The bigger flowers have ribbons that are "woven" into a die cut.  The smaller flower simply has a ribbon tied in a knot for the center.  This was a fabulous idea and I plan on using it again!

I also added a canvas-type ribbon for my white vertical strip down each page.

I decided this was a great entry for the challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbons.  The challenge is to pretty much use ribbon on your project!  Links are due October 4th!




Materials Used:  ribbons, Studio Calico Die Cut stickers, recycled tag from clothing (Legacy), Echo Park - Season's Greetings paper, Recollections- Christmas Noel wood tiles, old ampersand, Teresa Collins - Urban Market enamel dots, Stickles - Icicle, and Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die cut.

Hello Again!

I am happy to be scrapping again.  As par for the course, my life often goes unscripted and NOT according to my plans.  But hey - that keeps me on my toes and my world pretty much exciting!  So I can't complain.

Here is a layout for the challenge at Sketch N Scrap's July 15th challenge and the sketch:

Ahhh - this photo means so much.... so much so that it deserves its own page.  See, my daughter was showing this horse over Memorial Day Weekend.  The duo was struggling a bit and my daughter fell off her horse twice.  The last fall, we were encouraging her to call it a day but she wouldn't hear of it. She was determined to get back on the horse and complete a course - even if it meant competing on a harder course.    Well, Miss Determination got her way -- with her number tattered and her attire all muddy - she gave it a go.  The team came out of the arena with a blue ribbon (first place).  We were so incredibly impressed by her tenacity and perseverance.  To say that we were proud of her is simply an understatement.  What continues to make this photo so special is that this horse died quite unexpectedly less than three days later.  It comforts my daughter just a little knowing that his last run was a Blue Ribbon result.

Hence - my absence from scrapping as we scrambled to find another horse for to ride the rest of the season.  I think we have found one!  Whew!

In any case, this sketch was super easy to follow (a huge bonus if you are in a hurry) and I love the result.  For the splatter effect, I used Tim Holtz's Adirondack Alcohol inks.  With the provided applicator - it was incredibly simple to use and it dried very quickly! Wait - what - no drying time!  SWEET!

I hope you can join us in this challenge!  All links are due July 31st.

Materials Used: cardstock, DCWV - My Sunshine paper, Tim Holtz's Adirondack Alcohol Ink - latte & ginger, silk flowers, brads, Cricut - Alphalicious font, and an upcycled Girl Scout Insignia Tab.

Last Sketch for the Bash at Sketch N Scrap

The last sketch challenge to celebrate Sketch N Scrap's birthday has been posted.  Here is the sketch and my example:

This is another great sketch that is also easy to follow!  Give it a try!  Links are due June 2nd.

Materials Used:  DCWV - My Sunshine papers, PaperTrunk - Benny alphabet, Cosmo Cricket - Tiny Type alphabet (date), Basic Grey - Basic Candy Buttons, and unknown manufacturer of vinyl star.

On Time With This One....

If you have been following me, you will have noticed that I have been a little late posting my DT challenge examples.  Oops!  This one though - I made it on time!  A small miracle!

In any case, here is my work to help release the current challenge at Lasting Memories.  The challenge is to use a lot of little photos to make one BIG shape.  This is what I created:

I grabbed a heart shape mosaic pattern off the internet and cut pictures to fit the pieces,  Then I just put the page together with a few layers and an embellishment cluster.  I hope you can join us for this true challenge!  Links are due by May 26th.

Materials Used:  DCWV - Hey Sailor papers, cardstock, upcycled yarn (from shopping bag), brads, fun wire, PaperTrunk - Benny alphabet, and Sizzix photo corners original die.

Catching Up On My Posts...

Today (only a day late now....), I am sharing my example of the latest challenge at Sketch N Scrap.

Here is the sketch:

I stayed true to the sketch for the most part.  However, I cut one of the layers a little short (the more solid brown piece).  So I cut the paper again into two pieces and used the horizontal strip (brown with white circles) to help lengthen the brown paper.  All the embellishments (the title, brown paper, circle/brown strip, gold foil cut outs) were fussy cut from another piece of paper from the collection.  I added the white circles and brads to complete the page.

I hope you can join us in the challenge!  The links for this sketch are due June 2nd.

Materials Used: Me & My Big Ideas - Hello Beautiful mambi sheets, cardstock, Creative Memories circle punch, and brads.

Check This Challenge Out!

This was a fun challenge to complete for Lasting Memories.  Of course, if you are following me this week, I am a little late posting my DT examples.  None the less, there is time to play along.  The challenge (#344) this week is to use strips of paper or washi tape in a BIG way.  This is what I came up with:

I was inspired by a layout I saw on the internet and unfortunately I cannot recall where.  None the less - I am thrilled how this turned out.  Please join us on this great challenge - be sure to link up by May 26th.

Materials Used:  Cricut Everyday/Best of Times and Extreme fonts, Darice Gemz strips, several washi tapes, Bazzill cardstock, cardstock, and foam tabs (under the photo).

Still Catching Up...

Here is another late example for Sketch N Scrap!  This layout was completed for the May 15th challenge (#129).  Here is the sketch and my work:

For this sketch, I rotated it to accommodate my horizontal photos.  I also added a small embellishment cluster and a few brads.  Finally, I was purposely messy when I inked the cream cardstock.  You have until May 31st to play along with this challenge!  I can't wait to see your work!

Materials Used:  Studio Calico alphabet, wood embellishment, brads, unknown manufacturer of tag, Carta Bella - So This Is Christmas papers, baker's twine, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Bundled Sage, and cardstock.

A Little Late....

I am a little late posting this but at least you still have time to play along the May 6th challenge over at Sketch N Scrap!  Here is the sketch and my work:

The only change I made was to move the title and the embellishment cluster.  Otherwise, I stayed true to the sketch!  I hope you join us!  All links are due by June 2nd!

Materials Used:  Echo Park Merry Christmas alphabet, Carta Bella - So This Is Christmas papers, brad, paper/glitter flower, fabric leaf, and cardstock.

Lasting Memories Reveal

I am happy to help reveal the new challenge at Lasting Memories!  The challenge is to use twine to make a big shape on your layout.  I used twine and big glue dots to make these circles.

This is a great challenge to use your collection of twine!  Be sure to check out what the Design Team created and then share your masterpiece with us!  Be sure to link up by May 26th!

Materials Used: DCWV My Sunshine paper, ribbon, cardstock, Baker's Twine, glue dots of various sizes, brads, and Recollections wood alphabet (backwards "6" for an "A").

Happy Birthday Sketch N Scrap!

Sketch N Scrap is turning FIVE this month!  To celebrate, we are hosting a crop all month long with great challenges and an awesome prize package for one lucky winner.  The more you scrap along - the more chances you have to win!  Here is the first sketch challenge:

Isn't this pretty?  This is what I created:

This was such a quick layout to put together!  To me - that is always a bonus!  I started with stitching my circles with my sewing machine.  The stitching is hard to see in the photos but are a great touch in person and do not make the page too busy.

I can't wait to see your masterpiece!  You have time, links are due May 31st.

Materials Used: ME & My Big Ideas - Hello Beautiful paper, cardstock, machine stitching, Prima Flowers - Avante/Lilac, brads, up-cycled silk leaves, Darice Paper Petals/brown, foam tabs (under title), and Thickers Elf alphabet.

May 1st Reveal At Sketch N Scrap

I am happy to help reveal Sketch N Scrap's first challenge of the month - a layout sketch!  This was a easy sketch to follow!  Check it out!

To accommodate my photos, I rotated the sketched and added an element at the bottom of the page.  This is what I came up with:

I hope you can join us!  You have time, links are due May 31st.

Materials Used: cardstock, Carta Bella - So Noted papers and sticker embellishments, Doodlebug Design Inc - Candy Shoppe alphabet, Petaloo - Textured Elements Mixed Textured Layers - Ivory, brads, up-cycled clothing twine, Project Life Journaling card/Creative Memories tag die-cut, Me & My Big Idea - Mambi Sticks, and Basic Grey - Small Details/Wander.

Patience...

Paper Piecing requires a lot of patience (or a glass of wine).  I created this layout for Lasting Memories and the challenge was to use a rabbit, egg, or chick on your layout.  So, I decided to use my Cricut to create this cute little bunny.  Ugh... all the layers were like putting a puzzle together.  I do like a good puzzle but I have to be in the right frame of mind to do so!

So without further adieu, here is my work:

I had trouble fitting my journaling in and actually wrote it several times.  Which meant, with each version, I had to get creative with the "replacement/repair" to the page.  I finally wrote the story on an extra piece of paper and placed it over the old story.  To make it look like that is what I had originally intended to do, I stressed the edges and adhered the block with foam tabs.  

I hope to see your work in this challenge - be sure to post by April 28th.

Materials Used: Bazzill cardstock, DCWV - My Sunshine Stack, ribbon, bunny & title from Cricut Design Space, and Heidi Floss edge distressor.

Back at Sketch N Scrap!

I am honored to be back at designing for Sketch N Scrap.  My first assignment is to help showcase the new sketch challenge by Heather Hall.  Here is the sketch and my work:

This sketch was super easy to follow!  However, as I realized that I wanted to include details of George Washington's Christmas Camel and needed to adjust the sketch slightly to accommodate the journaling.  

I hope that you join me in this challenge - I can't wait to see what you come up with!  The deadline to enter is April 30th!

Materials Used: Authentique - Peaceful/Chill paper & sticker tab, Cricut - Circle/sliced, wood snowflakes, brads, ribbon, and Doodlebug Design Inc. - Jack & Jill alphabet ("a's" & "c's" were cut from other letters).